subsurface

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sur·​face ˈsəb-ˌsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
: earth material (such as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground

subsurface

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​sur·​face ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
: of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground

Examples of subsurface in a Sentence

Adjective a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Some subsurface places remain unmonitored. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 The estimate includes drilling and other subsurface investments for the steam fields, and the power plants, the source said. Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
An entire ocean’s worth is unlikely, but a significant amount of subsurface water isn’t. John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022 After analyzing that data, researchers had a subsurface picture of the rocks, clay and thermal liquid below Yellowstone. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022 See All Example Sentences for subsurface

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1775, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsurface was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Subsurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsurface. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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